We believe in the indispensable value of good literature in the lives of children. Our mission is to foster the professional development of the creators of children’s literature, promote connections between children’s authors and other members of the literary community, and nurture an environment in which children’s literature can be appreciated by the widest possible audience.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Ask an Author: What's your favorite children's book?

Hazel: This is a difficult question for me because I’m rather like the child who names as his best friend whomever he has just been playing with. Lately I’ve enjoyed Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl series, Rick Riordan’s The Olympians series and Christopher Paolini’s The Inheritance Series (can you see a pattern here?). But my favorite book(s), at the moment, are the Harry Potter books. I return to them again and again, for inspiration, entertainment and sheer wonder at the breadth and depth of J. K. Rowling’s boundless imagination and her ability to make the richness of the wizarding world she created come alive in the words of her books.

Brian:I love A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. I love the way Milne introduces us to a hapless stuffed bear who tries to think of a better way to come downstairs as he’s being dragged by the feet, head bumping each stair, on his way to his own stories. I love Milne’s dry, understated humor. I love the poems he gives Pooh to recite throughout his adventures. And I love the way Milne creates suspense and drama without any real conflict – a remarkable feat (and I think a hallmark of great children’s literature). In my early adult years Benjamin Hoff reintroduced me to Pooh and friends in his amazing book, The Tao of Pooh, and I came to appreciate the depth of A.A. Milne’s masterpiece on an even deeper level.

Lana: I'm with Hazel--it's so hard to choose one. I have a long list of favorites, but I think I'd have to say The Giver by Lois Lowry. That book works on so many levels. The spare writing is perfect for the character and the theme. The ideas really make the reader think and question. Even the open ending, which I normally don't like, was perfect for this story. This is the kind of book that you either love or hate, and I definitely loved it.

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A Little Something About Us

Our backgrounds and interests vary greatly, but we all love writing for children.

Steven K. Smith

Steven K. Smith is the author of The Virginia Mysteries series, middle grade adventures with a twist of history. His booksinclude Summer of the Woods, Mystery on Church Hill, Ghosts of Belle Isle, and the standalone short story, Pitch Black Dark. Steven grew up in rural northwestern New Jersey, but has quickly come to love Richmond and its deep history since moving here in 2011. He lives with his wife and three youngsons and works in e-healthcare during his non-writing hours. You can learn more about Steven and his books at his website, VirginiaMysteries.com.

Stephanie McPherson

Stephanie wrote her first children's story in college. She enjoyed the process so much that she's never stopped writing. A former teacher and freelance newspaper writer, she has written nearly 30 books and numerous magazine stories. She especially enjoys writing about science and the human interest stories behind major discoveries. Her most recent book, all about the Titanic, came out in November 2011.

Brian Rock

Brian has been writing stories and poems since he was old enough to hold a #2 pencil. Although he was once kicked out of his fourth grade class for writing too many stories, he went on to earn a master’s degree in Children’s Writing from Hollins University. His short stories appeared regularly in the regional magazine, Kid’s World. His poems have appeared in Highlights and Poetry Train. He has three published picture books, Don't Play With Your Food!,Piggies,With All My Heart, with his third title, The Deductive Detective due out this month, March 2013. Click over to Brian's website to find out more.

Hazel Buys

Hazel grew up living the gypsy life, circling the globe as her family accompanied her father on his military assignments to Asia, Europe and the United States. During this time she absorbed the stories and fables from many different cultures. Her love of literature is rooted deeply in these early travels.

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Hazel began writing in her early teens. She writes middle grade and young adult novels as well as picture books, which she also illustrates. Hazel regularly publishes reviews of children’s books with Children’s Literature. Her picture book, Olaf's Door, was published by the multi-media publisher, zuuka, Inc. You can see Hazel's art work at her website.

Deb Dudley

After enjoying over 14 years as a successful marketing specialist in the hospitality industry, Deb Dudley decided to embark on a new career in the world of Kid-Lit. Armed with a passion forwriting, a love for literature and bundle of book ideas, she is eager to shape one of her polished manuscripts into the next best picture book for young children. For more about Deb's journey from storyboard ads to storybook smile-maker, visit her website.

Dan Elasky

Dan has been writing since he was seven. Back then, it was mostly adventure stories with dinosaurs. Some of it still is, but without the dinosaurs. Mainly, he specializes in picture books and teen novels. Dan is fortunate to have as his critique partners the members of Richmond Children’s Writers, a perceptive, illuminating, and supportive group. He looks forward to reading to children at schools, libraries, and hospitals with the help of his puppet, Irene. Dan is now writing a middle grade novel whose narrator speaks in a voice that, he says, “is unlike any other in English literature.”

Troy Howell

Troy Howell is the author of the American Booksellers Association's “New Voices” pick, The Dragon of Cripple Creek (Abrams, 2011), and is working on his second middle grade novel, Hans Andersen’s Ghost. He has also illustrated many notable children’s books and book jackets, among which is the Brian Jacques Redwall series.Learn more about Troy at his website.

Lana Krumwiede

In third grade, Lana wrote in her autobiography that she wanted to be a mother, a writer, and the church organist. While the church organist thing didn't turn out so well, the other two dreams made up for it! Her dystopian science fiction series for middle-grade readers, The Psi Chronicles (Candlewick Press) includes FREAKLING and ARCHON (coming Oct 2013). Lana's short stories and poems have appeared in Highlights,High Five, Spider, Babybug, The Friend, and Chicken Soup for the Child's Soul.Learn more about Lana and her books at her website.

Marianne McKee

Marianne enjoys the picture book format for both fiction and non-fiction. After studying with the Institute for Children's Writers, she has written stories about animals and is now beginning to use her background in history, archives and maps to write non-fiction. Work in film and wet darkroom photography, seven trips to the Scottish Hebrides and two semesters of geology have also expanded her horizons.Marianne can be reached at mariannemckee@aol.com.